The collapse of a friend or relative can signal sudden cardiac arrest. Helping them means keeping a cool head. Here are some tips from various sources that may help save a life.
- Gently shake the victim and shout "Are you OK?" If the person answers, do not begin CPR.
- If the person is unresponsive or shows signs of a heart attack, call 911.
- If a defibrillator is nearby, follow its instructions.
- Otherwise, start CPR. First open an airway. Give two slow, full rescue breaths - about two seconds each. Watch to see if chest rises with each breath.
- Check for breathing, coughing or responsiveness to gentle shaking.
- If there is no indication of breathing, begin chest compressions.
- After 15 compressions, give two more rescue breaths.
- Repeat three times, for a total of 60 compressions.
- Check for breathing, coughing or other signs of circulation.
- Repeat compression and breathing cycle until ambulance arrival or signs of restored circulation.
___
On the Net:
American Heart Association: www.americanheart.org/cpr
American Red Cross: http://www.redcross.org/
Food and Drug Administration: http://www.fda.gov/
